Symptom
Cat grooms less: possible dental causes
Reduced grooming is sometimes linked to pain when moving the jaw and tongue. There may also be bad breath, drooling, refusal of dry food or avoiding touch.
Most common possible causes
- —Tooth resorption (TR)
- —Gingivitis or periodontitis
- —Chronic gingivostomatitis
- —Broken tooth
When not to postpone an exam
- ✓Noticeably reduced grooming
- ✓Drooling
- ✓Irritability on touch
- ✓Changes while eating
Urgent help needed
- ✓Complete refusal of food and water
- ✓A sudden deterioration in condition
What not to do at home
- —Do not blame the changes on age alone without an exam
What diagnostics may be needed
- ✓Clinical examination
- ✓Full-mouth dental radiography
TR and other feline oral conditions are often hidden under the gums.
How treatment may proceed
- ✓COHAT
- ✓Treatment according to a feline oral protocol
Related services
Related clinical case
Dental disease in a cat: a broken canine tooth of 3+ years' standing
View the broken canine tooth case →Similar symptoms
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